The Recording Process

The first question that most bands ask when they come to the All Nighter is "what's the process like?" And usually they follow that up with conveying a previous experience of recording their band one instrument at a time: Drums first, then rhythm guitar(s), then bass, etc... I think it's too bad that most groups have had to "capture the magic" through this process. In fact, it seems almost impossible to capture anything inspirational that way. This is why at The All Nighter we encourage groups to record their foundation tracks live in the studio. We have the capabilities to record a full 5 piece band with complete isolation, which means no bleed from one instrument to the next on the recording.

This does not mean that every member of the group has to nail their part, summoning the precision and grace of an early Beatles session at Abbey Road. Individual punch-ins are not a problem. Each member of the band will be equipped with headphones to hear the full mix. Now, if you are a singer and you have the "I can only sing well when I play my guitar syndrome" (which is all in your head, try strumming a vintage Gibson air guitar and you'll be surprised at the results) no problemo, bring your axe right into the vocal booth with you and go to town.

Of course, before any tracking takes place the band will be honing in guitar and drum tones that appease their highly selective appetites. Focusing also on warming up their fingers and voices in order to lay down a stellar performance.

The whole goal of our suggested process at The All Nighter Studio is to make bands feel comfortable in order to deliver an album worthy performance. We feel the chemistry of a live setup is a great way to lay the foundation of a hit record. Once the heartbeat is achieved, the music can take on a life of it's own!

Studio Pictures posted!

New pictures posted of The All Nighter! Thanks to Rachel Crabtree for taking some terrific shots on Saturday.

Recording Studio Thoughts: 10 Recording Tips

Recording Studio Thoughts: 10 Recording Tips: "This being my first blog, I thought I would keep it simple and provide a useful guide for bands to enhance their studio experience. 1) Guit..."

10 Recording Tips

This being my first blog, I thought I would keep it simple and provide a useful guide for bands to enhance their studio experience.

1) Guitar Tuning. Don't assume that you can use the tuner plug in on Pro Tools or that the studio will have a tuner for you. Purchase your own and bring it along. Check your tuning after every song.

2) Speaking of assumption. Don't assume that your engineer will be able to "fix it in the mix" when preparing to record or if you can't perform a part the way you want. Getting the sound from the source is the best way to end up with a great sounding recording

3) Drum Tuning. This should have been #1, but here I am already at #3 and it'd be a lot of work to reverse things. Most so called "crappy" drum kits can sound pretty good if you know how to tune them. If that's not a skill you possess, please learn asap. Also, make sure your heads are decently fresh, and not beaten in backwards.

4) Rehearse your songs to death. If you are not prepared to record a song, my advice would be to not even attempt it. It will turn into a nightmare and maybe even a band ending fight. Stick to the tunes you know. UNLESS you are in a jam band and you need to "just jam man" to get "the kill vibe".

5) Don't say the word "vibe" or "vibes" more than twice during a session. This will drive your engineer crazy.

6) Metronome issues. If you are planning on recording with a metronome, make sure you practice plenty with one or else you may find yourself in a band ending fight.

7) Make sure you are 100% happy with your peformances. Don't let things slide because you can "bury" them in the mix later. When these things start to accumulate it can be pretty noticeable.

8) For dignity's sake, take it easy on the drum replacement software.

9) Only auto tune when necessary

10) No White Castle before the session.